How Noelvi Marte’s Move to Right Field Is Paying Off for the Reds
Switching positions mid-season is a tough task for any major leaguer—especially for a 23-year-old coming off a disappointing year. But that’s exactly what Noelvi Marte has taken on in 2025, shifting from third base to right field. Originally a shortstop who had already transitioned to third, Marte is now patrolling an entirely unfamiliar position—one he’d never played at any level before.
A Critical Move for Both Marte and the Reds
This season has been a major turnaround for Marte, and the shift to right field is a big reason why—benefitting not just him personally, but the team as a whole.
Bouncing Back After a Rough 2024
Following a strong 35-game debut in 2023, Marte’s 2024 season was one to forget. He missed 80 games due to a PED suspension and struggled after returning. In 66 games, he posted just a .210 batting average with a .549 OPS and a 49 OPS+. His defensive performance at third base was also a liability, marked by frequent throwing errors, leading to a -1.8 bWAR season.
Looking on the bright side, Marte didn’t have much further to fall—which made a rebound season in 2025 very possible. And that’s exactly what’s happened.
So far in 2025, Marte has played a career-high 70 games, putting up a .292/.332/.512 slash line with an .844 OPS and a 124 OPS+. His advanced metrics support the improvement, with a .266 expected batting average and a .467 expected slugging percentage—both above league average.
Plate discipline remains a work in progress, as seen in his 33.0% chase rate and 26.3% whiff rate—slightly worse than league average. However, these are areas that can improve with more reps, and Marte has already shown he can adjust and grow after setbacks.
**Holding His Own in Right Field**
Despite having no previous experience in the outfield, Marte has already played 34 games (270 innings) in right field and has held his own. His elite arm strength (92.7 mph, 95th percentile) translates well to the position, but it’s his overall instincts and route-running that have been a pleasant surprise. Defensive metrics support this, with Marte posting 1 Defensive Run Saved (DRS) so far.
Adjusting mid-season and still managing to perform at an above-average level defensively is a big win for both Marte and the Reds.
How the Position Change Helps the Team
The Reds’ infield is now stacked—with Ke’Bryan Hayes holding down third base for the foreseeable future, Elly De La Cruz entrenched at shortstop, and Matt McLain manning second base. With all of Marte’s former positions accounted for, the move to right field was the logical next step.
Fortunately for the Reds, Marte’s successful transition opens up the infield logjam and provides a reliable bat in the outfield. If he can maintain his current level of offensive production—around an .800 OPS—he becomes a long-term solution in right field. This gives the Reds the flexibility to allocate payroll elsewhere when free agency rolls around.
His move not only strengthens the infield defense but also upgrades the offensive output from the outfield—a win-win for Cincinnati.
And if injuries ever strike the infield, Marte’s versatility means he can slide back into his old role. That kind of flexibility—paired with his offensive upside—is exactly what every MLB team looks for in a young player.